Scottish additions ready for Wanderers' first game

Making the leap to join Football NSWs State League 2 this season, the Wanderers will tackle Camden Tigers in their first competition match.

The Wanderers boast four Scottish recruits, and they’ve already made a big impact on the team.

Ally Macleod was named man of the match in the Wanderers’ FFA Cup win on Monday, while Jonny Mathers has also impressed in his short stint in the city.

Alongside countrymen Callum Dunbar and Scott Dunn, they create the nucleus of the newly-formed team.

There is plenty of excitement as soccer in Wagga takes a big step forward, but the players still don’t know what quite to expect from the new competition.

Mathers is looking forward to kicking off the season in front of a big home crowd.

“I think it will be good, especially after the first FFA Cup match with the crowd we got down,” Mathers said.

“All the boys are appreciative of all the support we got so hopefully it will be another win and another stepping stone to doing well this season.”

The quartet played against each other in the Highland League, but jumped at the opportunity to come to Australia after the Wanderers advertised for players.

Beating 11 other Scots for the positions, they’ve quickly settled into stride.

Macleod is no stranger to soccer in the Riverina after playing for Yoogali SC five years ago.

However he’s expecting a much bigger challenge this time.

Camden were relegated from State League 1 last season and the 26-year-old is expecting a tough task.

However after the second FFA Cup win over Western Condors over Easter Macleod said the team has gained plenty of confidence.

“The team we played on Monday finished fifth twice and we were 4-0 until the last 10 minutes when we got a bit tired plus we missed to penalties,” Macleod said.

“So if that’s an indication of the standard then if we carry on doing what we are doing we will do pretty well.”

WAGGA CITY WANDERERS v CAMDEN TIGERS

GISSING OVAL 

SATURDAY 3PM